The Christmas season in London is always magical! The city transforms with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and charming displays on shopfronts, doors, and buildings. One of my favorite things to do is wander through the city, soaking up the unique ways Londoners decorate their homes and offices.

This year, I decided to explore Belgravia, one of the capital’s most picturesque and exclusive areas. With its elegant streets and a few hidden gems, Belgravia never fails to surprise with its seasonal charm.

Join me on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON as I take you through one of London’s most beautiful (and wealthiest!) neighbourhoods at Christmas!

Exploring Belgravia in London

Belgravia takes its name from one of the Duke of Westminster’s subsidiary titles, Viscount Belgrave, which is in turn derived from Belgrave, Cheshire, a village on land belonging to the Duke.

Belgravia is ideally located, which makes it easy to plan a walk there wherever you are staying in London.

Belgravia is nestled east of Chelsea, south of Hyde Park, southwest of Buckingham Palace’s gardens, and just northeast of Pimlico. Belgravia is easy to get to via the tube, with Victoria Station just a short walk away, offering access to the Victoria line.

Sloane Square, close by, is also accessible via the Circle and District lines, making it simple to explore this beautiful neighbourhood from various parts of London.

With its grand stucco terraces and verdant garden squares, Belgravia has long been one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods, attracting both artists and the affluent. As you stroll through this picturesque area, you’ll spot numerous “blue plaques” commemorating the famous residents who’ve called Belgravia home over the centuries – adding to its charm and rich history.

Belgravia architecture

Belgravia was developed in the early 19th Century, and has since maintained its status as one of London’s most prestigious residential areas.

Much of Belgravia was built by the master builder Thomas Cubitt in the 1820s with a coherent layout and a pleasing sense of unity in the architecture.

Belgravia is known for its stunning rows of elegant white townhouses and picturesque garden squares, which create a serene, refined atmosphere.

The grand architecture and the lush greenery of the garden squares add to the area’s charm and luxury, making Belgravia one of the most desirable places to live in London.

It is mainly a residential area, even though the make-up of Belgravia changed after the World War II, with a few embassies and institutions setting up there. Belgrave Square, in particular, is now a home for embassies. 

Wilton Crescent is an architectural curiosity, which reminds me of The Royal Crescent I visited in Bath lately. 

 

Like most of Belgravia, Wilton Crescent offers grand terraces with lavish white houses which are built in a crescent shape, many of them with stuccoed balconies.

Wandering through the chic vibes of Elizabeth Street at Christmas

If you are running short of time and just want to soak up the Christmas spirit in Belgravia, this is the street you have to go to.

Elizabeth Street is just a quick walk from the Sloane square tube station, near Eaton Square Gardens.

At number 36, you’ll find Peggy Porschen, famous for her festive cakes. There’s a tiny, cosy tea room where you can enjoy a warm drink – especially perfect during this time of year – and indulge in one of the mouthwatering desserts on offer (I can’t resist bringing a few macarons home every time I visit!) I made a yummy review here !

This shopfront is likely one of the most Instagrammable spots in town! It’s always exciting to see what new design is unveiled each season or for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.

I absolutely love how Belgravia’s shopfronts show off such creativity, changing with the seasons while keeping their brand identity.

Moyses Stevens is hands down one of my absolute favourite flower shops in London! Every time I pass by, I’m captivated by the stunning arrangements and the fresh, vibrant atmosphere. It’s definitely a place I would recommend to anyone looking for something special.

The floral designs are always delicately displayed outside the shop that I always marvel at every detail.

I absolutely love The Buttery in Belgravia – it’s one of my favourite spots for a cosy and delicious meal! This charming restaurant combines elegance with a relaxed atmosphere, serving up delicious seasonal dishes that are perfect for any occasion. I wrote a special review here.

Elizabeth Street is home to a whole array of incredible shops, each bringing its own festive magic to life. The Christmas decorations here are seriously impressive, with every shopfront transformed into a dazzling display that captures the spirit of the season. From sparkling lights to stunning holiday-themed windows, it’s impossible not to stop and take in the festive charm that fills the street.

Whether you’re a foodie (with plenty of delightful restaurants and gourmet shops to explore), a fashion lover, or someone looking for a little self-care with health and beauty finds, Elizabeth Street has something just perfect for you!

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to explore Belgravia soon, please share your experience and opinion here!

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To go further:
London Blue Plaques website, to prepare your visit in London, following the steps of the most popular Londoners.
Elizabeth Street website, to prepare your shopping list !
Peggy Porschen: 116 Ebury Street, Belgravia, SW1W 9QQ
Website
Moyses Stevens: Moyses Stevens Flowers, 53 Elizabeth St, Belgravia, SW1W 9PP 
Website

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